Informing the Legislature that on June 27, 2024, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB2476 HD2 CD1 (ACT 097).

This bill, signed into law as Act 097, permits licensed dental hygienists in Hawaii to apply dental sealants to children's teeth in school-based programs. The legislation aims to improve access to preventive dental care for low-income students, who are at higher risk for tooth decay, by allowing hygienists to place these protective coatings without requiring a prior dental examination. By removing certain restrictions on dental hygienists, the act seeks to help Hawaii address its low ranking in national efforts to prevent dental disease among children. The law also notes that Medicaid already covers sealants for eligible recipients and encourages the state to explore funding options for these school-based initiatives.